Wirz: Golden League a qualified success
Posted August 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Golden Baseball League wraps up its inaugural season this weekend before a playoff tournament in Long Beach. Though some attendance goals weren't met, the GBL certainly generated headlines and seems to be a solid addition to the world of Independent Baseball, according to indy veteran Robert Wirz.

Red Sox replacing 40,000 square feet of Fenway turf after Stones concerts
Posted August 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Here is why many groundskeepers are wary about concerts and other large group events held at ballparks during the season. The Rolling Stones played two concerts at Fenway Park to kick off their latest tour. After the last of the stage equipment was taken away, the groundskeepers assessed the damage. The turf was hurt so badly 40,000 square feet of outfield sod is being replaced. The Red Sox are also delaying the start of tonight's game by an hour to give the crew enough time to lay down the sod.

City, counties have to play ball in Amarillo
Posted August 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Amarillo Globe says the city should bring back a plan to spend $100,000 on a ballpark feasibility study, but with one difference: cooperate with Potter County on the issue. Amarillo City Commission members say there's little point to studying the future of pro baseball now that a new independent league wants to set up shop at Potter County Memorial Stadium, but the new team will have the same issues with the old, rundown ballpark encountered by the Amarillo Dillas (independent; Central League).
    RELATED STORIES: Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study; Baseball is back in Amarillo; Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Upon review, baseball may not be so keen on replay
Posted August 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
There's only been one time in major-league baseball when a call was reversed by an ump using instant replay: Frank Pulli's viewed a replay on a monitor during a May 1999 game between the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals to rule Cliff Floyd had doubled and not homered. Technically, there's nothing in MLB rules to prohibit the use of instant replay, but umpires and MLB officials -- and most players and managers, judging by this article -- just don't want to see the human element removed from baseball. It's the right call.

Fort Myers team milks suspension
Posted August 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Brad Penny challenged a Florida Marlins batboy to drink a gallon on milk in less than an hour without throwing up, with $500 changing hands if he did. Well, the batboy did indeed throw up and was suspended by the Marlins, pissing off Penny (who plans on paying up on the bet anyway) and causing the Fort Myers Miracle (Class A; Florida State League) to invite the batboy to Monday's game. They're even creating a promotion around the incident:  all children 14 and under will receive a pint of milk when entering the stadium, a cow will be stationed at the front gates, and empty milk cartons will be placed throughout the stadium so fans can make monetary donations to the batboy.

Pitcher Lasorda reflects on career
Posted August 26, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One of the highlights of our spring training was dining at Tommy Lasorda's table in Dodgertown before an evening game; he was in fine form, telling stories and entertaining the small gathering. Here's an expanded look at Lasorda, one of the good guys of baseball: he's a guy who paid his dues in the minors both as a player and a manager and deserved his 20-year stint as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Nats sale could come quickly now that lease is done
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The sale of the Washington Nationals to one of eight groups bidding for the team could happen by Labor Day now that MLB is close to finalizing a lease for a new ballpark with the  D.C. Sports & Entertainment Commission. Both sides expect the lease to be finalized by the end of next week. Meanwhile, MLB management has been reviewing the eight bids for the team, which should go for upwards of $450 million. The final terms of the lease probably won't affect any of the bids; MLB has been pretty upfront with the eight groups about what they can expect to see in a lease, and there don't seem to be any last-minute snags to the deal. Meanwhile, the cost of the new Washington Nationals ballpark may be a little less than expected after engineers determined a major sewer line would not need to be rerouted.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon; MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags

Lehigh County raises hotel tax to build ballpark
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A new ballpark for an International League team in Allentown, Pa., came closer to reality when the Lehigh County board agreed to boost the levy on hotel bills from 3.5 percent to 4 percent, raising $210,000 in new annual revenue. Craig Stein and Joe Finley, owners of several Class AA and Class A teams, want to move the Ottawa Lynx (Class AAA; International League) to a new 7,000-seat Allentown ballpark; they have an option to buy a 40-acre parcel from Agere and would pay the county $700,000 per year to lease the ballpark, helping repay the bonds. State and federal grants would cover $19 million in development costs, and the county would sell bonds to raise most of the rest of the money for the nearly $35 million project. More from the Express-Times.
    RELATED STORIES: Lehigh County favors tax for Allentown stadium; Fans are the Lynx's missing link; Plan to bring AAA baseball here has become a better deal for Lehigh Valley; House approves hotel tax hike to help pay for Allentown ballpark; Will baseball be very, very good to the Valley with a AAA team?; Ottawa Lynx to move to Allentown; State, city ready to present new funding plan for Lehigh Valley ballpark; Lehigh Valley deal close to completion?

NY-Penn League proposes early June start
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The short-season NY-Penn League is proposing an early June start to its season, with the season ending in late August. The proposal is before MiLB and MLB, who must both approve. No word on whether the change could be implemented in time for 2006 or would be implemented in 2007, or whether the Northwest League wants to follow suit. If the short seasons were to start early and the draft moved back in recognition of the NCAA season lasting to the end of June, player development would need to reevaluated -- which is an argument for the Appy League to remain the way it is.

Logan, Uecker synonymous with Milwaukee baseball
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Milwaukee Brewers are honoring Johnny Logan and Bob Uecker this weekend as the Brew Crew host the Atlanta Braves (the former Milwaukee Braves, of course). Logan played shortstop for the Braves and stayed in Milwaukee, spending time as a broadcaster, running for sheriff and scouting for the Brewers. Uecker, of course, really is Mr. Baseball is Milwaukee; we know him from his Miller Beer commercials and appearances in the Major League movies, but he's a top-notch broadcaster.

Lake Elsinore ballpark bidders pitch their plans
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Two firms pitched their plans to privatize The Diamond, the home of the Lake Elsinore Storm (Class A; California League). One group was led by Storm owner Gary Jacobs, who wants to see the ballpark used more in the offseason with concerts, swap meets, festivals and other events. Both groups mentioned development of the area around the ballpark as a way for the city to cut down its annual $600,000 deficit.

Amarillo nixes ballpark feasibility study
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Saying the money could be better spent on police officers, the Amarillo City Commission decided to scrap plans to spend $100,000 on a feasibility study concerning a new ballpark in the city. With a new independent league ready to set up shop at Potter County Memorial Stadium, there's little impetus to spend city money on a study, much less build a new ballpark to lure a team. Besides, some commission members figured out exactly what would happen: such feasibility studies always recommend the building of a new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Baseball is back in Amarillo; Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Sox eye stopping epithet: Yankees T-shirt nixed
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
How much free speech is too much? The management of the Boston Red Sox is struggling with the issue as the team considers asking fans not to wear "Yankees Suck" T-shirts inside Fenway Park. You see Red Sox fans wearing these T-shirts even when the Kansas City Royals are in town, so it's not really clear fans are trying to provoke fights in the stands. Still, with some saying unruly behavior is rampant at the old ballpark, the Red Sox are having ushers request fans turn the "Yankees Suck" T-shirts inside out.

A community institution in Myrtle Beach
Posted August 25, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Coastal Federal Field, the home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A; Carolina League), is an institution among Myrtle Beach residents. The Pelicans break the old adage that baseball teams won't be successful in towns that rely heavily on the tourist economy, but the Pelicans are successful because they eschew the tourists and appeal directly to locals.

Red Sox seek landmark status for Fenway Park
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Boston Red Sox have applied to the National Park Service for placement of Fenway Park on the National Historic Register, a move that could save the team millions in renovation costs but will also place restrictions on what the Sox can do with the 1912 structure. Basically, placing a building on the National Historic Register makes the owners eligible to receive tax credits for up to a fifth of the cost of renovations; the tax breaks are designed to make rehabilitating a building on the same economic level as building a new structure. The Red Sox are spending $200 million on renovations to Fenway Park, so the designation -- which has yet to be approved by the park service -- could save the team up to $40 million. On the flip side, placement on the National Historic Register does place restrictions on what the Red Sox could do to Fenway Park in the future and basically ties the team to the ballpark. Which, we can all agree, is a good thing. The designation also gives the Red Sox a little more say on what happens next to the ballpark. The team has been buying up property in the area, but there are a few plans for high-rises adjacent to the ballpark (the Howard Johnson adjacent to Fenway Park is scheduled to be torn down in favor of a hotel/condo project). (Speak of placements on the National Historic Register: Wahconah Park was awarded the designation last week.) The Save Fenway! group and the Red Sox are closely monitoring development plans; look for the pair to oppose any high rise that impinges on the outfield views from the grandstand. Meanwhile, the Red Sox announced their latest addition to Fenway Park: executives are weighing plans to add two stories of offices to the so-called Laundry Building, an adjacent utility building connected to the 1912 ballpark. Along with offices, the team may also add a few hundred seats along the edge of the building as well.
    RELATED STORIES: Property-hungry Sox target Lansdowne Street; Sox seek to preserve Fenway Park view of Boston skyline; Fenway facelift to hit $100M; Classy Fenway is even better than before; Red Sox unveil four additions to Fenway Park; Red Sox planning to remain at Fenway Park; Hockey games, skating proposed for Fenway Park; Fenway buying continues: Red Sox want garage as part of expansion, area improvement; Red Sox announce more changes to Fenway; Lyons finds friends inside ballpark team; .406 Club is in a slump; Antiquated Fenway getting a bit of a makeover; Fanatical over Fenway; Red Sox submits plan for Fenway expansion; Red Sox adding premium seats; A great ballpark, a good neighbor; Sox ownership looking at the long term?

Comcast looks to land MLB Sunday/Wednesday package
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Cable giant Comcast is looking to snare Major League Baseball's Sunday and Wednesday night cable package from ESPN, the rights to which expire at the end of the current season. The games would be placed on the Outdoor Life Network (OLN), the new national home of the National Hockey League. ESPN builds its summer programming around Major League Baseball; losing it would deal a serious blow to ESPN2. Comcast has one giant advantage: because it operates so many cable systems it could bring the MLB Channel to a much wider audience.

Stadium sales tax coming up short in Cincinnati
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
A fund implemented by Ohio's Hamilton County to finance Great American Ball Park and Paul Brown Stadium, the home of the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, could be $8 million in the hole next year. Proceeds from a half-cent sales tax go into the fund, but early projections yielded the deficit. Measures being considered to address the deficit are refinancing the debt, stretching the debt beyond the current 30 years, and using money now spent on daily county operations. Officials from the Bengals say the problem isn't spending on the sports facilities; it's that the fund is now used for additional purposes, such as property-tax relief, and that revenue projections are right where originally predicted.

MLB likely to pick Nats owner soon
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
MLB CEO Bob DuPuy says a new owner of the Washington Nationals should be decided by Labor Day, with control of the team completed by Oct. 1. MLB officials are currently sifting through the bids for the team from eight groups; meetings between MLB officials and some of the groups have also taken place recently. The winning bid for the Nats should exceed $450 million and maybe even $500 million, making the sale of the team one of the highest in MLBH history, especially with no other assets (ballpark, cable network) involved.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags

Buying into the dream
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
I'd estimate a solid 40 percent of the Ballpark Digest readership either own a baseball team or have designs on owning one. If you're in this group, check out this article on the ins and outs of owning a baseball team. It's not the casual investment of days gone by: when franchise prices can reach $24 million or so, there are some big bucks to be made -- and be lost -- in the baseball world. Don't take everything in this article as the literal truth (there are plenty of teams run by real baseball people and some of the successes cited are in reality not so successful), though.

Chukars facing deadline for new ballpark
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Idaho Falls Chukars (rookie; Pioneer League) are facing a September 30 deadline to raise enough funds in the private sector to financing a renovated ballpark. So far a community group has raised $700,000, about $650,000 short of the target amount. Now, deadlines are a great way for a group to wrap up fundraising, but if this effort falls short the group can ask for an extension or seek other funding methods, such as a city grant.
    RELATED STORIES: City Council okays McDermott Field makeover

Brooklyn fans earn an 'A'
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
It sounds like a good time was had by all last night at KeySpan Park, the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, which hosted the first-ever NY-Penn League All-Star Game. There was a huge crowd on hand -- 9,054, the second-largest crowd in ballpark history -- but more importantly the Cyclones' owner, the New York Mets, announced the team would stay in the NY-Penn League and not move up to Class A. Next year's NY-Penn League All-Star Game will be played at Ripken Stadium, the home of the Aberdeen Ironbirds.

Sea Dogs establish Hall of Fame
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) will announce the first two members of the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame on Friday, August 26. Throughout the 2005 season, Sea Dogs fans have had the opportunity to vote-in the inaugural members of the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame. To be eligible for the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame, players must have debuted with the Sea Dogs at least ten years ago. Each season one player and one non-playing personality will be inducted into the Sea Dogs Hall of Fame. On the inaugural ballot for players were Charles Johnson, Billy McMillon, Edgar Renteria, and Jay Powell. Non-playing nominees on the ballot include Carlos Tosca, Bob Ganley, and John Boles.

Salem Avalanche set attendance record
Posted August 24, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
For a second consecutive season the Salem Avalanche (Class A; Carolina League) has set a franchise record for attendance in a season. The previous mark, 224,991 was eclipsed on Sunday afternoon as Salem hosted Winston-Salem. "Breaking the attendance record for the second consecutive season speaks volumes about the commitment the citizens of the Roanoke Valley have for the Salem Avalanche," Avalanche V.P./G.M. Jamie Toole said. "Our front office staff continues to work hard to provide affordable family entertainment and it is great that our fans have acknowledged that by continuing their support of the Avalanche." In 2005, the Avalanche has averaged 3,695 per game at Salem Memorial Baseball Stadium. With an eight game homestand remaining, the Avalanche are on pace to finish the season over the 250,000 mark in attendance.

Community groups speak out against new Yankee Stadium
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Though a proposal for a new Yankee Stadium has been warmly received by New York City and Bronx political leaders, the reception among the grassroots and community leaders has been less than enthusiastic. Some of this has to do with the constant political wrangling in New York City, but much of this has to do with the Yankees' inability to meet with community groups and explain how a new ballpark could be a plus for local residents despite being a short-term pain when construction starts. The Yankees could also benefit from setting up a community benefits agreement, similar to the one signed for the new New Jersey Nets arena in Brooklyn, that ensures many well-paying jobs will stay in the neighborhood. It doesn't sound like many of the community activists really want to derail the new ballpark; they just want their concerns to be heard.
    RELATED STORIES: New Yankee Stadium needs same old feeling; Grand old ballyard will be missed; Yankees officially unveil new ballpark plans; Yankees' ballpark plans stepping up to the plate; Bombers move on own plan as N.Y. turns two; SOS for Yankee fans: Save Old Stadium; Bronx Beep goes to bat for new Yankee Stadium; Inside the deal for the new Yankee Stadium; It's back to the future for the Yankees; Lots of ideas for Yankee Stadium; Yanks 90% toward new home; Stadium games in NYC: give and take and speculation; Macomb dams Yankees; New York's sports economy; Brooklyn beep ready to play ball with the Yankees

Clark Construction endorsed as D.C. ballpark builder
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Clark Construction Group LLC, whose work includes FedEx Field, MCI Center and the Washington Convention Center, is in the lead to land a contract to build the new ballpark for the Washington Nationals, according to criteria set forth by the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission. The commission's board will decide Friday whether to grant the contract to Clark, which could be worth up to $9.4 million. Clark has the edge over some familiar names: Turner Construction and Barton Malow.
    RELATED STORIES: MLB owners eager to sell Nationals, soon; Nationals' sale mixes sports, politics; D.C. ballpark architect has towering test; Judge dismisses suit against D.C. ballpark; Cropp still talking private financing for D.C. ballpark; D.C. Council members push bid of Nats suitor Ledecky; Nationals at RFK Stadium is summer's hottest ticket; Problems at RFK typical of District; Washington's team is political football; Issues continue to build at RFK; Plans to build ballpark in D.C. receive a boost from Supreme Court; Businesses resist as D.C. collects on ballpark fee; D.C. ballpark deal calls for union workers; Is D.C. private financing finally dead? Finalists for Nats ownership due soon; Private ballpark funding lacking in D.C.; Gandhi defends ballpark figures; Ballpark financing plan goes to D.C. Council; Williams's ballpark bill lacks financing details; Is the new ballpark estimate in the ballpark?; D.C. finance chief defends ballpark estimate; Ballpark fallout worries residents; Chief complaint at Nationals' opener: long lines; Baseball capital; RFK's field may be named for military; Deal for RFK sponsor may be back on; Plan could cut D.C.'s ballpark burden; Bringing back D.C. memories in Philly; In Nationals' D.C. debut, fans shrug off snags

Baseball is back in Amarillo
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Byron Pierce and John Bryant, the original founders of the independent Texas-Louisiana League (now the Central League), made it official yesterday: they've secured a one-year sublease of Potter County Memorial Stadium and will install a team from their new independent league there next season. The pair have acquired rights to the old Amarillo Dillas name and logo, but they don't know if they'll be using it. No word yet on the other four teams in the new league besides Amarillo and Harlingen. Some want to see a clear plan regarding the ongoing maintenance of Potter County Memorial Stadium, though it's pretty clear ACE Baseball, which holds the original lease to the ballpark, doesn't plan on reneging on its obligation to perform $12,000 of maintenance yearly on the ballpark. (There may be a baseball bonanza in Amarillo: ACE is looking at landing a college wood-bat team in the Jayhawk League.) And, of course, the city of Amarillo is still planning on spending $100,000 on a study to map out a possible new ballpark.
    RELATED STORIES: Ex-Dillas' owners seek new Amarillo team; Amarillo needs thorough ballpark study; Plan to study new Amarillo ballpark a good idea; Amarillo plans to study new ballpark; Pierce, Bryant announce new indy league

Hey, Batter: Lost art of bench banter
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
In the not-so-distant past, sitting near the field meant you could listen to opposing players razzing the other team. Today, you don't hear that: most players, if they're yelling, are yelling at the umps and not trying to upset the opposition. Some trace the death of bench jockeying to the unionization of the players, which united them in most ways; free agency didn't help, either, as most players are somewhat familiar with almost everyone else in the majors. Some of the players interviewed by the New York Times, like Gary Sheffield, didn't even know what was involved with bench jockeying.

Nats' caps near head of the class
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Another reason why moving the Montreal Expos to Washington, D.C. was a good move: Washington Nationals merchandise is among the top six sellers in MLB caps, trailing only the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox and on a par with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals as among the top movers in baseball. There may be another reason for the run on Nats caps: Some Republicans are wearing them in support of "W," the nickname for President George W. Bush.

McCourt revels in running show in L.A.
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
When Frank McCourt bought the Los Angeles Dodgers, he installed his wife, Jamie McCourt, as head of the team. She  is responsible for all Dodgers business operations, including the overall day-to-day management and strategic planning of the organization as well as the integration of the business and baseball operations. She is focused on working with senior executives to integrate, strengthen and manage the Dodgers' sales, marketing, merchandising, public relations, community relations, public affairs, legal, finance and accounting departments. Truth be, we have a lot of problems with how the Dodgers treat fans (first-rate ballpark; third-rate front office); perhaps she should focus more on the fan experience at Dodger Stadium.

Light houses
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
This article covers the eternal debate over reported attendance versus actually attendance. It used to be the National League announced turnstile counts, but that ended in 1993 when MLB consolidated business operations among the leagues. Today MLB teams announce tickets sold, not turnstile counts, which leads to some disparity between what fans see in the stands and what's announced at the game.

Tunney proposes sprinklers for rooftop clubs
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney, who represents Wrigleyville, wants to see rooftop clubs overlooking Wrigley Field install sprinklers in lieu of front and rear exits and provide free trolley or shuttle bus tickets instead of parking. He's trying to work out a compromise with local residents who are increasingly tired of the havoc caused by Cubs fans when the team is in town. The rooftop clubs have evolved from a cute little sideline to big-buck businesses, and the zoning laws must reflect that.

Selling an experience in the 'burbs
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
One reason for the rapid growth in minor-league baseball: the move by both affiliated and independent teams into suburban and urban locations, as owners eschew the rural roots of the game and move into more lucrative areas. Can't blame them: the game was enhanced when the Brooklyn Cyclones entered the NY-Penn League.

Pride of Peoria
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
Pete Vonachen is the legendary owner of the Peoria Chiefs (Class A; Midwest League). The 80-year-old has seen it all in Peoria, and he's adamant about one thing: more than once did baseball save Peoria. The city went through some rocky times when large employers like Pabst and Caterpillar scaled back or eliminated operations, but residents were always able to gather as a community at the ballpark.

Diablos' season a success
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The move into the independent Central League from the Class AA Texas League certainly was a good one for fans of the El Paso Diablos, as the team set a CBL record for announced attendance in their inaugural season. The total (190,429) and average (4,052) announced attendance figures (season tickets and individual game tickets sold) were the best ever in the 12-year-old league. More importantly, Diablos president Mark Schuster says the Diablos will turn a profit this season.

Living a Comerican dream
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The West Michigan Whitecaps hosted the Fort Wayne Wizards in a Class A Midwest League tilt last night at Comerica Park, the home of the Detroit Tigers. For the players, it was a treat to play at a real major-league ballpark; for the team, it was a great way to promote the Tigers to a different group of fans. Other MLB parks, such as Miller Park and PNC Park, similarly have hosted minor-league games to great acclaim..

NY-Penn League unveils All-Star Game tonight
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The short-season NY-Penn League unveils its inaugural All-Star Game tonight at KeySpan Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The game starts at 7 p.m., but it's preceded by a slew of festivities, including a street fair from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a 6 p.m. homerun derby that features ordinary Joes battling the pros. OK, maybe not ordinary Joes: these are fans who won home-run derbies at earlier games.

New Bern board to discuss new ballpark
Posted August 23, 2005 (feedback) (submit story) (discuss)
The New Bern Board of Aldermen is looking at building a 3,000-seat ballpark that would, among other things, serve as the new home of the New Bern River Rats (college wood bat; Coastal Plain League). Sabrina Bengel, River Rats owner and team president, said the facility would be for the entire area to use, not just a baseball park for the team. The team is asking board to commit up to $400,000 to help construct the new facility; the total estimated cost to build the complex is around $1 million.